“Daydream” by Hannah Grace: A Refreshing Take on Romance and Representation

I just finished Daydream by Hannah Grace, the third book in her Maple Hills series. This one follows Henry and Hallie (still not sure how to pronounce her name, but I’ll stick with Hallie!). Let me tell you—this book truly took me by surprise, in the best way possible. While I enjoyed the first two books in the series, Daydream stands out as my favorite. It’s not just the story that captivated me, but the way it resonated with me on such a personal level.

Representation Done Right

One of the things that stood out to me about Daydream was how authentically it portrayed the personalities of both main characters. Henry, with his ADHD tendencies, is direct, impulsive, and refreshingly honest. His character brings an energy and realism to the story that feels deeply relatable and genuine. On the other hand, Hallie is a classic people pleaser—the eldest daughter who shoulders everyone’s expectations and struggles to say no.

As the oldest daughter myself, I could relate so much to Hallie’s journey. The book highlights the “oldest daughter syndrome” in such a subtle yet powerful way. That constant pressure to manage everything and everyone while neglecting yourself? It’s all there. Watching Hallie learn to stand up for herself and prioritize her own needs felt incredibly validating. While Henry’s ADHD brought an interesting layer to the story, Hallie’s growth was the heart of the book for me.

It’s rare to find a romance novel that so perfectly balances personal growth with a compelling love story, but Hannah Grace does it beautifully. The dynamic between Henry and Hallie—his impulsiveness counterbalanced by her tendency to over-apologize—created a relationship that felt real and deeply satisfying.

A Romance Without the Cliché

Another aspect I adored about Daydream was the absence of the infamous third-act breakup. It’s a trope I’ve grown tired of in romance novels, especially when it feels forced or lacks a valid reason. Instead, Hannah Grace chose to focus on a love story where the characters face their individual traumas and grow together.

Watching Hallie evolve and Henry support her through her journey made for such a satisfying read. Their love story felt authentic, grounded, and beautifully prolonged without unnecessary drama. It’s refreshing to see two characters navigate their struggles and learn to love each other without the typical “breakup for the sake of drama.”

A Few Hiccups, But Overall a Delight

Hannah Grace’s writing is undeniably engaging. There were a couple of minor language errors (like “to do” as two separate words), but they didn’t detract from the overall experience. While it took me a little time to get into the book (more my mood than the story itself), once I was in, I couldn’t put it down.

A New Favorite

Daydream took me by surprise with how much I related to it. Hannah Grace’s ability to capture the nuances of ADHD through Henry, while also diving into Hallie’s struggles with people-pleasing and the weight of being the eldest daughter, makes this book not just a romance but also a story of self-discovery.

If you’re looking for a romance novel that feels fresh, avoids tired tropes, and offers meaningful representation, Daydream is a must-read.

Next on My List

I’m diving into The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by Laura Gilmore next—it’s the second book in her Dream Harbor series. Stay tuned for my thoughts on that one!

Here’s to a cozy Sunday evening and a wonderful start to the week ahead. Happy reading!